BBC Wales wins commission for new Saturday drama to replace Merlin

Wales to become the home of an action packed family drama as a new independent production company moves in

BBC Wales has revealed it has won a commission to start filming a replacement for Saturday tea-time hit Merlin.

The Cardiff broadcaster is to start filming a new action packed drama for BBC One called Atlantis. It will be shot in Wales and Morocco.

Created and written by Howard Overman (Misfits, Dirk Gently, Vexed, Merlin), Atlantis will tell the story of a mysterious, ancient place; a world of bull leaping, of snake haired goddesses and of palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants.

A spokesman said that the story would tap the store of Greek myths and legends through the arrival of young Jason.

He said: "The 13 x 45 minute series for BBC One is executive produced by Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy (Merlin, Hex, As If, Sugar Rush), and Howard Overman for their new production company. It will begin filming in Wales and Morocco in April, airing in autumn 2013."

Atlantis is executive produced by for BBC Cymru Wales by Bethan Jones.

Faith Penhale, Head of Drama, BBC Cymru Wales said: "Howard's scripts are astonishingly good and Atlantis is the perfect show to fill the gap left by Merlin. We hope everyone will enjoy this thrilling new, action packed series and we're delighted that BBC Wales will continue to be the home of Saturday night family drama."

It is the second new original drama series commission from BBC Cymru Wales under the leadership of Faith Penhale, which also includes Cold War spy thriller, The Game, that starts shooting later this year.

Atlantis was commissioned by Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One and Ben Stephenson Controller, Drama Commissioning.

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